“I get a Scotch vibe, all peat and smoke. Maybe some burnt caramel.”—K.A.

“This is what Willy Wonka drinks when his mother-in-law is in town.” —Z.S.

Overall rating: 3/5

*2013 bottling, made from smoked chocolate oatmeal stout. The new release is due out in October.

THE VERDICT:

Sonoma County Distilling Co.’s Sonoma Rye Whiskey was the sleeper hit. Both Miller and Smith wagered it was made by St. George Spirits, and Adkins was floored by the reveal. “I have this at the bar, but I haven’t been paying much attention to it,” he said. It’s his number one pick, so that’s likely to change.

Photograph by Nader Khouri, Prop stylist: Kiersten Stevens

This article was published in 7x7's September 2014 issue. Click here to subscribe.